TOSHA Urges Safety First in Tornado Clean-Up

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration is working with clean-up crews and private citizens across the state urging job safety during the recovery process after Tuesday’s tornadoes.  Beginning today, TOSHA staff will travel into the counties affected by the storms to provide assistance and distribute safety and health items and guidelines.  The guidelines cover such topics as generator safety/ carbon monoxide exposure, chain saw safety, demolition, work zone safety and portable ladder safety.  They will advise contractors and homeowners on any safety or health issues that could arise. 

“Governor Bredesen has pledged the full resources of the state to help people rebuild their lives,” said Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley.  “The recovery effort after these massive tornadoes can be very dangerous, and the work of our TOSHA division to educate the public on safety issues is key to aiding those efforts and preventing additional injuries or deaths.”

TOSHA sent volunteers to assist Federal OSHA with restoration after the 9/11 World Trade Center collapse and Hurricane Katrina.  They worked with crews to assure job safety and evaluate safety concerns.

“TEMA has already reported one fatality due to carbon monoxide exposure when a storm survivor took a generator into his damaged home for power,” said TOSHA Administrator John Winkler.  “We are trying to reach out and inform the public about the dangers that can arise in these situations and prevent any further deaths from occurring.”

Carbon monoxide is one of the most common industrial hazards. Mild exposure can cause such symptoms as nausea, dizziness or headaches while severe poisoning can result in brain or heart damage or even death. The poisonous gas is produced by the incomplete burning of any material containing carbon, such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, kerosene, propane, charcoal, or wood.

OSHA workers are handing out safety goggles, work gloves, dust masks, ear plugs and laminated cards that describe safety guidelines for clean-up efforts.  If anyone has questions regarding safety and health please contact the TOSHA division at 1-800-325-9901.